One night camp in the desert, accommodations in tents and sleeping bags

Three nights hotel accommodation at the 5-star hotel Le Royal
Meridien (or similar) located on Dubai beach, double occupancy with private bath/shower

Airport transfers to/from hotel if airfare is purchased through AESU

Ground transportation as per itinerary

Daily breakfast

Three dinners and one lunch as per itinerary

Half-day Dubai city tour with local English-speaking guide

Half-day shopping tour

Observation deck at Burj Khalifa, tallest building in the world

Overnight desert Safari including:

transfer by land cruisers

camel ride

dune surfing

belly dancing

beverages (unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, water)

Henna painting

Arabic coffee and fresh Arabic dates

Traditional costumes (Qandora)

Five-star buffet dinner with BBQ meats

Dhow dinner cruise

Services of a professional tour director throughout

All local taxes and fees

Dubai conjures up images of gleaming skyscrapers set against the back drop of the vast Arabian Desert and glistening sea.

See Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, set alongside ancient mosques. Bargain for gold, spices and handicrafts at the atmospheric “suqs” markets. Our Arabian adventure continues when we ride nature’s roller coaster— jeeps across the dunes. Overnight in the desert, ride camels, go sand surfing, then feast under the stars with traditional belly dancing. Find out for yourself why Dubai is one of the world’s most intriguing destinations.

Dubai is one of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates but seems rather like an independent city-state. It has developed at a fast pace and is today the most modern and progressive Emirate in the UAE.

Visit this fabulous desert city with an amazing infrastructure and relatively liberal policies. Dubai offers shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining, sporting events and more. Discover Dubai's history with a visit to Bur Dubai or climb the world's tallest building - Burj Khalifa.

Free Airport Transfers & Discount Airfare

When you book your airfare through AESU, you get these great benefits:

Travelers, who booked a flight with AESU, will be met and transferred to the hotel. Tonight meet in the hotel lobby for a welcome orientation with your tour director and fellow travelers, then join a traditional Arabian ‘dhow’ for an evening cruise. Enjoy a sumptuous welcome feast of Arabic and International cuisine while gently gliding past illuminated souks and palaces.

Inclusions:

Welcome orientation

Traditional Arabian Dhow dinner cruise

Meals: In-flight, Dinner Cruise

Our local guide introduces us to both the new and the old Dubai on our city tour. On this scenic route we will make photo stops at Burj Al Arab, the famous 7-star hotel and Jumeirah Mosque, the only Mosque allowing non-Muslims to enter. Visit the breathtaking observation deck at Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and a magnificent centerpiece of downtown Dubai. We pass the Sheik’s stunning palace, travel along Dubai Creek, the lifeline and pulse of the city, before taking a stroll through the narrow lanes of Al Bastakiya, the old Dubai. We continue to the Al Fahidi Fort, housing the Dubai Museum. Board a water taxi, called ‘Abra’ to cross the lagoon to see the spice market and visit one of Dubai’s famous landmarks, the Gold Souk. Enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Inclusions:

Guided sightseeing tour of Dubai with a local historian

See Jumeirah Mosque, the Observation deck at Burj Khalifa, Al Fahidi Fort, spice markets and more

Lunch of local specialties

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Land cruisers pick us up at the hotel for an excursion across the desert of Dubai. There are several photo stops during this exciting drive across the dunes. Upon arrival at the campsite, experience the beauty of the Arabian Desert as it was meant to be seen– on the back of a camel! For adrenaline junkies, no trip to Dubai is complete without at least one slide down a sand dune. Take advantage of the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of one of the most popular sports in the desert - sand boarding! If you prefer a more relaxing activity, try Arabic coffee and dates, have your hands or feet painted with henna or try a typical shisha while watching belly dancers perform by starlight after witnessing a magnificent desert sunset. Settle down for the night in tents and sleeping bags under the stars. Take the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the desert by night. Dubai Desert camping is a unique experience specially designed for nature lovers. Admire the beauty and magic of the Arabian Desert discover a variety of flora and fauna. Tents with sleeping pads/mattresses are set up for the night under the Arabian sky. Suggestion: Pack a flash-light, a change of clothes and a sweater for the night.

Upon return to Dubai, enjoy some of the best, biggest, most luxurious, elegant, yet affordable malls in the world. Dubai Mall offers more than 1,200 shops and a multitude of restaurants and cafes. Dubai is land of sun and sand, so beaches form the most attractive part of its beauty. We check into our hotel this afternoon. The hotel is located at one of the world’s best and certainly Dubai’s most famous beach, Jumeirah Beach Park. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring your hotel, laze on the beach, or partake in optional water sports activities.

Inclusions:

Half day shopping tour

Relaxing pool and beach time

Meals: Breakfast

Take in the sun for another day. Consider an optional excursion to Abu Dhabi. For those joining our option, we leave from the hotel at approx. 9 am in the morning and return in the afternoon. The capital of the United Arab Emirates is a fascinating mix of tradition and progression, from the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the traditional Heritage Village, to the magnificent Emirates Palace Hotel. See both faces of Abu Dhabi in this introduction city tour.

Meals: BreakfastOptional activity: Excursion to Abu Dhabi

Enjoy idleness and the gentle breeze from the sea at your hotel’s swimming pool or Jacuzzi. The magnificent beach directly in front of your resort offers many watersports facilities. Later on relax and enjoy an optional cruise onboard a luxurious motor boat. Take in spectacular views of Dubai’s coastline as you sail around Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island which has doubled the coastline of Dubai. At tonight’s farewell dinner, watch the chefs prepare your favorite dish with a new twist while you sample a variety of sumptuous international dishes. Finish your exciting culinary journey with heavenly international desserts.

Inclusions:

Enjoy the beaches of Dubai

Farewell Arabian dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinnerOptional activity: Harbor Cruise

Today we transfer to the Dubai International Airport for our return flight home. Most flights to the US leave Dubai just after midnight. After check-out, your luggage can be stored with the hotel and you have access to all public hotel facilities until we depart for the airport. Travelers, registered for a transfer, meet in the hotel lobby and transfer to Dubai International Airport. We board our flight home with memories of one of the world’s most intriguing destinations and plans for your next journey!

Afternoon tea at STAY by Yannick Alleno: This tea in the beautiful environs of STAY offers a jaw-dropping array of teas and fair-trade coffee, as well as French pastries. Tue-Sun 3pm-6pm. One & Only The Palm(04 440 1010).

NIGHT LIFE

Dubai has an energetic nightlife. Bustling with nightclubs, restaurants and a wide variety of entertainment venues, there is always somthing fun to do in the city. For a list of activities, check online here: http://www.dubainight.com/dubai/

COOKING

Sushi and tempura-making classes are hosted by the Nobu team, followed by a demonstration of how to make the signature cheesecake and a bubbly lunch. Booking essential.
First Saturday of every month. 11am-2pm. Ongoing. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 0760).For more information on events during your stay visit: http://www.atlantisthepalm.com/restaurants/nobu

The best way to see the Europe is by private deluxe motor coach. Door-to-door service with all the spectacular scenery in between. Our modern fleet of Mercedes, Volvos (or comparable) coaches for continental Europe are air- conditioned for your comfort. Enjoy deep-cushioned reclining lounge chairs, wide panoramic picture windows and a built-in stereophonic sound system. Our drivers are picked for their experience, skill, dependability and personality. Travelers to other exotic destinations enjoy modern mini vans or motor coaches for the transfers between each location while safari guests are transported in 4 x 4 land cruisers.

Many programs also include the fun of travel by ship from Italy to Greece or along the Rhine River, sleek trains or cable cars, private sailing yachts in the Greek Isles, bicycles in Holland, and jeeps in Dubai, just for the fun of it.

Special Destination Tours
The majority of transportation on other programs is also by private deluxe motor coach unless stated otherwise in the respective itinerary ( i.e.: mini vans in Costa Rica). Please see each tour page for exact details.

Luxury motor coach for European tours
Enjoy your journey with a professional driver at the wheel. Enjoy the scenery and view mountains and valleys, cities and villages through panoramic windows. Our luxury, air-conditioned motor coaches provide you with stylish and comfortable seats.

Eurostar train and high-speed intercity trains
Eurostar is the high-speed rail service directly linking the UK to France via the Channel Tunnel. It started operating in 1994, providing city center to city center services. Eurostar departs from London's St. Pancras Station. Fast journey times London-Paris in 2 hours 15 minutes. Journey from Paris to Nice on a TGV high-speed train in just over 5 hours. Enjoy air-conditioning and modern seats as you pass through the French countryside at up to 200 miles per hour. Other intercity trains in Europe travel at speeds of up to 125 mph featuring individual seating or in groups of four sharing a table.Travel by rail in Europe is efficient and fun.

Overnight cruise Italy – Greece
Greek ferries are used to travel from southern Italy to Greece. Departures are from Bari and Brindisi, Italy. Normal accommodations are 4-share on all vessels. Sea travel is fun and ships have amenities to make certain that you have a great time starting the moment you step on board including swimming pools, discos, bars and casinos.

Dubai land cruisers & coaches
Desert Safari includes off- road driving in the Dubai desert. The drivers are qualified to operate the 4x4 vehicles in the desert. These cars are air-conditioned and safety features include seat belts and roll bars. Six passengers can be carried per vehicle plus the driver. Off-road driving can be rather bumpy and is often compared to roller-coaster rides. Advise your tour director accordingly if you do not wish to participate in the dune bashing. Ground transportation for the city tour and city transfers are by luxury air-conditioned motor coach. Dinner cruise by Arabian ‘dhow.'

Central America & other exotic destinations - mini vans
Traveling by bus is one of the best ways to get around in these locations. Depending on group size, you will travel by mini-van or motor coach. Both are comfortable and safe means of transportation with local expert drivers. All vehicles are air-conditioned.

What to do during your free time? For more details or current local events talk to your tour director or your local city guide. They are always the best source for free-time activities and offer great tips on restaurants or local hang-outs.

All

Meals

Traveling on this trip will introduce you to some native cuisine, including local specialties.

Hotels

We stay in superior tourist class hotels, all with private bath/shower in 2-share rooms. Our hotels have been specially selected for their European atmosphere, friendly hospitality, and cleanliness. Our hotels are centrally located or within a short walk of public transportation to take you to the landmark of your choice in the city you are visiting. (Why stay in remote cabins, hostels, or share your room with up to 6 people, when you can stay in a centrally located hotel?)

You'll be given a complete hotel address list with your final documents. Properties are subject to change and any substitutions would be the equivalent of those listed. *Single supplement only applies if single accommodations are requested. Independent hotel reservations, special tours and FIT tours always apply a single supplement. Please check your itinerary.

If you purchase your own airfare, book your overnight flight from the USA one day earlier than the tour start date listed above.

* Price per person based on a twin share room. If you're traveling alone, and do not want to pay the single supplement, AESU will attempt to arrange a share with a same-gender traveler. If no travelers are available to share, a single supplement of $795 will apply.

AIRFARE

Gateway Cities

Fly into and return from Dubai, UAE

Airfare is not included in land price. If you choose to book air with AESU, after receipt of your land booking, AESU will email you a quote with your tour confirmation invoice. You will have 72 hours to accept or decline airfare. (Or call AESU at 800-638-7640 for a quote prior to booking).

Book Airfare with AESU - FREE Airport Transfers

Purchase your airfare from AESU and receive free arrival/departure transfers between the airport to your hotels. We also try to book you on the same flights as others traveling on your tour. Land only participants BOOKING OWN FLIGHT OVERSEAS, DO NOT receive airport arrival/departure transfers. If you book land only with us, book your flights from the USA one day earlier than the tour start date. If you are not booking flights through AESU, we recommend not booking airfare until your tour is guaranteed (This will be noted on website with “guaranteed” next to tour start date).

Click on a date above to get a quote or make a reservation. You can make your $500 deposit ONLINE to confirm your space on the land tour. Full payment isn't due until 100 days before departure, and you or friends and family can make partial payments after you've booked (See NOTE below if within 100 days). Or you can scan/email or fax a booking form.

If you just want a quote and don’t want to secure a spot on the land program, select date above and click “Get a Quote” button on next page.

NOTE: Reservations to be paid in full 90 days prior to departure. Reservations received after this date are subject to availability and any airfare quote can only be held for 72 hours. Payment in full, for late reservations, will be due upon receipt of invoice from AESU. A late booking fee of $100 per person will apply.

All prices reflect a cash discount (For full payment by credit card, there is a 4% processing fee.)

PAYMENT PLAN: pay a little at a time and make your trip more affordable.

After paying a deposit of $500 online to reserve your spot, you can pay your balance in as many installments as you like, with a minimum of $100 for each transaction with no fee. Please indicate booking number on your check payment. If you prefer to pay installments by credit card, please call us at 800-638-7640 for details. (All prices reflect a cash discount. There is a 4% processing fee for any payments made by credit card after initial deposit.) The total tour cost (land, and air if applicable) must be paid in full at least 90 days before departure.

INSURANCE: We highly recommend travel insurance. (Check if trip insurance is offered directly by your Alumni Assoc.) If not, you can get a quote and purchase online through Trip Assure. See the insurance link on AESU's website under Travel Tools or copy this link into your browser: https://www.tripassure.com/main/?welcome=AESU3922MD

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